Phrasal Verb: Set Somebody Up

To set something up is to arrange it or establish it so it’s ready to use. For example, I can set up a website, set up a gym membership, set up the furniture in my new house. 

To set SOMEBODY up is different. It could mean 3 things.

 (1) To make it look like someone has done something wrong, so they will get in trouble. 

Example: They set him up by putting stolen goods in his bag. <<That situation is a set up (noun).

(2) To arrange a situation in order to play a prank or a joke on someone. 

Example: His friends set him up by telling him it was a costume party, when it wasn’t. He came dressed up as Captain Jack Sparrow to a formal dinner party. 

(3) To set somebody up (WITH somebody else) means to arrange for them to meet because you think they would be good together in a relationship. 

Example: 

A: Where did you meet your wife?

B: A mutual friend set us up. 

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